Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, the government, in this, as in all other matters, prides itself in being open and transparent. But it is true, as Senator Carr indicated, that his motion for the order of production of documents in relation to the matters he has raised was very poorly drafted, and a very poorly drafted motion which is not clear about what it is that he is actually seeking on behalf of the Labor Party makes it very difficult to respond. However, in an abundance of helpfulness, and having made assumptions about what it is that Senator Carr was seeking—and I note that Senator Carr failed to read the material part of the letter that I wrote to Senator Ryan, the President of the Senate—I just point out to the Senate that, in relation to both grants that were raised in the public debate, which he references, I have provided very explicit advice to the Senate.

I've pointed to the response to the Senate on 13 November by Minister Canavan which, in relation to the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, has confirmed that no funds were paid from the Global Connections Funds to Gretals. That is not something that Senator Carr chose to quote when referencing the letter I sent to the Senate. The advice by Minister Canavan to the Senate on 13 November was very explicit, and I will repeat it:

… the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering has confirmed that no funds were paid from the Global Connections Fund to Gretals.

My letter also points out that the Australian Research Council grant that has been referred to in media reports and on which previous questions had been based—and this was another grant which had been referenced in public reporting when it comes to Gretals—is a grant to the University of Melbourne. I refer the Senate to my letter on 12 November, which was also copied to Senator Carr. That grant was not a grant to any company. Under the relevant grant program, universities do partner with the private sector on research projects, but that is the situation.

If Senator Carr wants to submit a further motion which is more precise and more direct and better drafted, then of course the government will do what we always do, and that is respond openly and transparently to the best of our ability.